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Happy 1-Year Anniversary SPiN New York!

By now some of my avid readers have probably noticed I have thing for ping pong. Unlike most table tennis players, the obsession doesn’t come from a table in my basement or game room in my college dorm, but from a few friends.

With SPiN Owners Franck Raharinosy and Jonathan Bricklin at SPiN Hollywood Opening Party

Once upon a time these friends, filmmakers Jonathan Bricklin, Franck Raharinosy and Bill Mack all lived together in fabulous loft in TriBeCa and bought a ping pong table. They started playing, didn’t stop, friends would come over, more tables we’re bought, more friends would come over and eventually they started throwing a weekly party/tournaments named Naked Ping Pong. While no one was actually naked, the parties attracted everyone and anyone from  jocks to hipsters to nerds, artists to celebrities and everything in between; creating a diverse environment that was effortlessly fun. In those days I didn’t play, but I wasn’t the only one, and it didn’t matter. The mix of great people and music in such a social atmosphere made it still one rockin’ party.

With all the press they we’re receiving and popularity of the parties they decided to take their idea to the next level. Together with investors Susan Sarandon and Andrew Gordon they opened SPiN New York; a 13,000 square foot table-tennis social club complete with a gourmet restaurant, Ducks Eatery and bar.

Cheat Sheet for Running a Half Marathon

About a months ago, I posted about my experience running my first NYC Half Marathon. To sum it up, the most I’d ever run prior to that day was 4 miles (and I can count on three fingers how many times that was).   Yet somehow despite all of this I managed to run the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 11 minutes.  The strange part being I did it without stopping and quite easily.  Or rather the crazy part considering I’m not a runner.

So now for the big question everyone (and I mean every friend, acquaintance, and person I ever worked or went to school with) has been asking me, how did I do it?

First off, I’ll start with:

  • Have a positive attitude and some confidence in yourself. Seriously, if I can do it anyone who is physically able probably can.
  • Once you’ve established you’re going to try to run it, don’t

Water Crisis in Boston Ends

Well I picked a great time to visit Boston.  Within a few days of my arrival a pike broke in Weston, MA causing nearly 2 million people in 31 communities in the Boston area (myself included) to lose their supply of clean water. The Mass. Dept. of Public Health issued a warning that tap water was not suitable for drinking, but could be used for bathing, flushing and fire protection.  Mixed with the unreasonably hot, humid weather and all I can say is this trip has been a real pleasure. Fortunately, the water is now safe according to reports, just in time for my flight back to New York.

Growing up in the Boston area, I was so over this song.  However, it’s never felt more appropriate (although I didn’t love that dirty water). Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Blood Donors Needed! Help Make a Difference

Back in January, I tried to do my part in the Haiti earthquake relief efforts, by writing a post listing five easy ways individuals could get involved and help and pledged to do them all.  One of the ways listed was to donate blood.  Earlier I received a phone call from the Red Cross saying “I’d like to talk to you about your blood donation in January”.  Naturally, I stopped dead in my tracks and panicked; I thought the only reason the Red Cross calls was if there was something wrong with your blood.  I was wrong.  She continued with, “Are you aware that there’s currently a shortage of all blood types in NYC but especially 0+, and with just one donation you can help as many as three people? Can we count on you to make a donation?”

My answer was most definitely yes! Although I recommended they open with “We need your help” when making these types of

The Wellness Cafe at Norma Kamali

I received an invitation from Norma Kamali to visit her new Wellness Café.  Located at the Norma Kamali flagship store on 56th Street, I was no stranger to the café considering I used to work around the corner.  Tucked in the back of her store, it was an olive oil haven.  Filled with all types of pastries and snacks (all olive oil based); I was a sucker for the lavender shortbread.

I had heard during New York Fashion Week Norma made some adjustments to her life and was adding more raw and vegan elements into her diet. The café is an extension of Kamaili had thus evolved with her.  I was excited to see the changes to the café, and even though I knew the olive oil base would always prevail, I had a feeling this would be the demise of my beloved shortbread.

As some of you know I’ve been on an oil kick for sometime now, olive oil, macadamia nut oil, argon oil, coconut oil, essential oils . . . you get the point.  What began as something I only used on my body has now fully been integrated onto my face and hair as part of my regiment.  I’ve also been on a recent health kick (or at least trying to be), the downfall of months of traveling and abiding by the ‘there’s no calories on vacation’ rule.  And to that all I can say is it’s all fun and games until bathing suit season.  So perfect timing for this invitation, I would be in good company, and I can use all the inspiration I can get!

So through the entrance, past the mannequins to the back of the store I go.  Aesthetically it’s still very much the original café, however

The Ultimate Spin Experience: FLYWHEEL

Flywheel Sports, the new indoor cycling studio founded by former New York Giant’s running back and TV personality, Tiki Barber, and legendary spin instructor Ruth Zuckerman, opens it’s doors next week.  Flywheel will also feature a yoga and exercise studio.

Spin-enthusiasts, cyclists, bicyclists, triathletes, (or anyone interested in trying indoor cycling or just looking to get in shape) get excited! Flywheel offers state of the art equipment and technology.  Each bike features a monitor that tracks riders rpm/cadence, resistance, and energy.  Your individual performance data is then stored and available after every ride under the ‘my performance’ page at www.flywheelsports.com.  This is a great feature for anyone in training or looking to monitor progress.

I was lucky to get a sneak preview of the facilities, and the opportunity to take Ruth Zuckerman’s Fly 45 class for what I can only describe as the ultimate spin experience.   It’s no wonder Ruth has been credited for being part of the force behind the NYC indoor cycling craze; she is amazing.  Zuckerman knows when to motivate you when you’re tired, inspire you when you don’t think you can do another second, and push you to propel your biking to the next level.  Plus, they understand the importance of

I’m Nuts About Macadamia Natural Oil™

Almost two months ago, I had the pleasure of getting an advanced introduction to the new, very affordable, amazing hair line Macadamia Natural Oil, and I haven’t stopped using it since. Now available, the brand launched with a five-piece collection including Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment, Macadamia Oil Infused Comb, Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo, Macadamia Nourishing Leave-In Cream, and Macadamia Deep Repair Masque.  I’m obsessed with it all!

Face and hair oils have really made their way into the spotlight over the past few years and where many we’re once apprehensive to apply it to the face and scalp, it’s now readily accepted with proven benefits.  We started with Olive Oil, then Coconut Oil, then the last years major buzz word, the beloved argen seed oil, and now our attention is going to the macadamia nut oil.

Why Macadamia Nut Oil?

Macadamia nut oil works on all hair types to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth.  This lightweight, non-greasy oil absorbs quickly and effortlessly into the hair shaft and skin.  Rich in

Relax with some Peppermint

I love the smell of peppermint and it’s ability to relax and relieve my headaches.  Right now I’m loving Jurlique’s Peppermint Pure Essential Oil and Origins Peppermint, Basil, Rosemary Glass Candle to help relieve my stress.

Origins Peppermint, Basil, Rosemary Glass Candle

origins candleThis candle fills any room with it’s soothing blend of peppermint mixed with basil and rosemary, infusing an amazing smell that helps me decompress after a long day. Available in two sizes, 2″x2″ ($10),  and 3″x 4″ ($30).

Click HERE for more information

 

 

 

Jurlique’s Peppermint Pure Essential Oil

jurlique essential oilJurlique’s  Peppermint Pure Essential Oil is great for relieving headaches, sinusitis, congestions, and nausea.  This product works great in a vaporizer or I put a little on my temples and palms, take a few breaths and just inhale the oil to relax. I keep one at the office, and I do not fly without it.

 

For more information click HERE

Charity: Ball 2009

December 14, 2009, New York City

charity ball

Advanced tickets are now available for Charity Water’s annual Charity: Ball.

Click HERE to purchase. Hope to see you there!

What is Charity Water?

Right now, 1.1 billion people on the planet don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. That’s one in six of us.

Charity: water is a non profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. They give 100% of the money raised to direct project costs, funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest need. Just $20 can give one person in a developing nation clean water for 20 years.

For more information on Charity Water and how you can get involved, click HERE

Come On Get Healthy!

TheFunTheory.com, an initiative of Volkswagen has inspired me to take the stairs.  It’s right before the holidays, so no time like the present to start getting in shape.  In result, I’ll be doing a series of posts on health/fitness.  Consider this Part I.  Enjoy!

Piano Stairs

Watch video HERE

About TheFunTheory.com:

The site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behavior for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better.

To learn more, click HERE